IYA2009 Update

31 July 2009

International Astronomical Union celebrates its 90th anniversary during IYA2009 Of the many special anniversaries occurring throughout 2009, one of the most important marks 90 years since the formation of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Read about it here: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/388/

Experience the Planets Sunlight shining through the rings of Saturn. Planet-wide dust storms cloaking Mars in pale obscurity. Images such as these only emphasize nature's ability to amaze and inspire. But what haven't we seen in our own solar neighborhood? What fantastic vistas has science predicted but so far been unable to capture? More information:http://www.experiencetheplanets.com/

Interview with Carmen A. Pantoja, Puerto Rican Single Point of Contact Puerto Rico's SPoC is Carmen A. Pantoja, a radio astronomer working at the Department of Physics of the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan campus. The IYA2009 Secretariat caught up with Carmen to ask some questions about IYA2009, Puerto Rico, and the importance of astronomy. Read the interview here: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/393/

Experience a virtual journey to the lunar Peak of Eternal Light during IYA2009 The first public showing of 'The Peak of Eternal Light', a new movie created using images taken by ESA's SMART-1 lunar orbiter, took place on 20 July 2009 at the Ars Electronica Center (AEC), Linz, Austria. This movie was shown as part of a special event to mark the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, during this International Year of Astronomy. More information: http://astronomy2009.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=45347

Lunar mosaic earns a Guinness World Record A team of astronomers in the UK have used specialist cameras and high-end amateur telescopes to produce a professional-quality mosaic of the Moon - earning them a Guinness World Record. For details, please see: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/389/

UNESCO Member States donate Galileoscopes Galileoscopes are low-cost telescopes designed to let curious eyes peer at the night sky and unveil secrets of the heavens. Member States of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) are ensuring that as many countries as possible will receive some of these instruments. The following countries will each receive a minimum of 100 Galileoscopes: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda. To learn more about Galileoscopes, please visit the official website: https://www.galileoscope.org/gs/

Romania boosts IYA2009 with two high-profile events Romanian IYA2009 enthusiasts are rightfully proud of two initiatives which have proved to be very successful. Learn about them here: http://www.astronomy2009.org/news/updates/386/